A Magical Pantomime Adventure
SARAH MILNE
Some of my most treasured childhood memories are of Christmas in Hastings with my grandparents, going to see the pantomime at White Rock Theatre. I loved the thrill of dressing up and feeling so grand at the theatre, which was festive with tinsel, lights, and Christmas trees. The excited anticipation for the start of the show, clutching boxes of Smarties. Cheering as the curtain rose on dancers twirling around brightly coloured sets as Buttons, Dick Whittington, Friar Tuck, or Snow White led them in the opening song. I loved the fun of joining in – cheering, booing the baddies, audience participation, scrambling around to find sweets or streamers and hoping to get a sprinkling from the foam custard pies.
I haven’t been to a pantomime in many years and felt a real sense of nostalgia as I settled into my seat to watch the opening night of this year’s White Rock Pantomime The Magical Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, Polka Pantomime’s inaugural Hastings production.
The story begins in London where the Darling children, led by Emily Steel (AKA Gladiator Dynamite) as Wendy, lament not having seen Peter for some time and wish for a new adventure in Neverland. Their hopes are soon to be realised when Peter flies in to seek their help rescuing the lost children from the clutches of evil Captain Hook. The audience is also invited to help Peter, the children and Tinks (played by Coronation Street’s Alexandra Mardell) to find the Lost Children and restore peace and joy to Neverland. The journey is shared by a motley crew of pirates and adventurers along with a mermaid.
This is traditional family pantomime, complete with slapstick, audience involvement and many, many laughs. From the first performance alone, it seems clear that no two shows will be the same. For me, the biggest laughs came from White Rock stalwarts Ben Watson and Tim McArthur as Smee and Hook. They have been playing panto together on this stage for many years; their interaction and clowning had me in stitches, especially their professionalism when going off-piste with mishaps and ad lib. This is a show for all children, young and old. I don’t want to give the game away and spoil the many surprises. Go and see for yourself and have some fun.
The Magical Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is showing at White Rock Theatre until 31 December
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